From the Principal

COMMentary Number 3 of 3

Our third and final COMM word is ‘ commitment’ and what a treasure trove of words there was from which to select three.  However, this final COMM word really does stand high, head and shoulders over other words.  How important and wonderful it is to reflect on the incredible commitment members of this school have for the blue and gold of St Monica’s College, Epping.

Over the past sixty-one years many thousands of people have enjoyed a relationship with this College.  Student, parent, teacher, staff member, students turning to alumni, benefactor, religious leader.  Those amazing words of ‘pray and persevere’ have drawn people to a strong commitment to what SMC stands for, why it was established, its current priorities and achievements, and great belief in a positive future for Monicans of all kinds.

Upon reflecting on this extraordinary commitment to Monican values and traditions, it is worth considering the array of reasons why commitment to all things Monican is strong and real.  I suggest that our foundations going back to the Sisters of the Good Samaritan have been lifelong reasons for commitment.  Today a SGS sister still works on campus, albeit she has been called to The Philippines to help her community’s mission to the people of that country struck by a typhoon.

Others will love St Monica’s College and commit to it because we have been ever faithful to the youngsters of Melbourne’s northern suburbs.  Yes, these suburbs have both changed and expanded in number and demographics since 1964, yet a Monican education is made special because the leaders and the parents are committed to having the young from the North take and assume their rightful place in society. 

Much commitment from our members is derived from the belief that this College is itself committed to service.  Thus, reaching out and welcoming in are two immediate values of this school. Monicans are encouraged and inspired to reach out to the neediest in the community, the outcasts, the lost and lonely, people of other faiths or no faith, other generations, and our approach is always inclusive.  We abide by Gospel values as the most important element of being a Catholic school.

Our College seeks to leave no child behind.  This is a major commitment.  Whether it be an educational statement and goal, a social challenge, a psychological approach, our understanding that all people are creatures of God, and/or that once a Monican, always a Monican is a truism not a slogan, this is a special school that promulgates six Kingdom Values – compassion, forgiveness, generosity, humility, peace and love of neighbour (especially those hardest to love).

So, as I wind up my exploration of COMM words through the auspices of communication, community and commitment, let us all approach the coming season of Advent with open heart as Christmas draws ever closer.  God bless all Monicans.

Brian E. Hanley OAM

College Principal